Beleaguered by protests
left and right against unjust economic impositions and calling for her
removal from office, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Feb. 24 –
the day the 20th anniversary of the EDSA I uprising that
toppled the Marcos dictatorship was being commemorated – Proclamation No.
1017 declaring the Philippines as being in a state of national emergency.
It paved the way for crackdowns on government opponents as well as media
agencies covering their activities and issues. Though the proclamation has
been lifted, the government has admitted that the crackdown will continue.

Salungguhit literally means to
underline; figuratively, to
underscore or highlight.